THE new section will focus on bringing fugitives from the law to justice, particularly those who have fled to other countries to escape punishment.

CRIMINALS who flee abroad in a bid to evade justice were last night warned a global law enforcement army are closing in on them.

Detective Chief ­Superintendent John Cuddihy said the new Police Scotland Fugitive Unit will tap into the network of the UK Serious Organised Crime Agency.

And he said the FBI, Interpol and Europol will also be consulted in the hunt for Scotland’s Most Wanted.

At present, 39 fugitives in 19­ ­countries are on the police radar, including murder suspects William Paterson and Derek Ferguson.

The new unit will also focus on the estimated 140 criminals, from 20 countries who have sought a safe haven here.

But Cuddihy, Police Scotland’s Head of Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism, told the Record: “Nobody should have a hiding place.

“If someone decides to get on their toes and ­disappear to the far-flung reaches then they should know that we have now got a unit who will be in a position to track them down and bring them to justice.

“We will not forget about them. Whatever wee dark corner they think they are in, we will be looking to put a spotlight on them.”

The unit will be a key part of Police Scotland’s Specialist Crime Division. Ten detectives, who all have experience of international investigations, have been recruited to work alongside dedicated officials from the Crown Office and SOCA.

Cuddihy said: “We will be extending our reach by tapping into SOCA Scotland, who have a structure around the world and will give us a footprint in 190 countries.”

For legal reasons, Cuddihy said he was unable to provide the names of the 39 fugitives wanted for crimes in Scotland.

But William Paterson and Derek “Deco” Ferguson – still at large on Spain’s Costa Del Sol – are prime suspects for the unit.

Paterson, 33, is wanted over the execution of Daniel crime clan enforcer Kevin “Gerbil” Carroll. And Ferguson, 49, is the main suspect in the murder of barman Tam Cameron.

Cuddihy said: “We continue to work extremely closely with our Spanish colleagues together with other foreign law enforcement in relation to them.”

Asked if he had a message for them, Cuddihy said: “Come back. We are not going away and you will have to face the music.”

Cuddihy was closely involved in the Moira Jones murder investigation and knows what it takes to bring a fugitive to justice.

The businesswoman was raped and battered to death in Queen’s Park, Glasgow, in May 2008.

Suspect Marek Harcar fled to his home in Nalepkovo, Slovakia but was located by an ­international team.

Cuddihy recalled: “Harcar was an excellent example of what can be achieved through close co-operation with our ­international partners.”

The killer was jailed for life in April 2009 and ordered to serve at least 25 years behind bars.